Investigator

I am the right-hand man of the Crown prosecutor in a criminal proceeding. While people associate me with being at his side in the courtroom, my work starts long before a file even makes it to the court.

I come on the scene the moment a crime has been committed. I am the police officer in charge of running the investigation aimed at gathering evidence in order to find the person or people guilty of the crime. In the course of this investigation, I meet potential witnesses and take down their statements. I also verify the existence of all other important evidence, like videotapes or photographs. A criminal investigation is not a simple thing to lead; I am assisted by a team of police officers. When I believe I have gathered enough evidence to identify a suspect and for him to be found guilty at trial, I am ready to submit the file to a Crown prosecutor.

It is the Crown prosecutor who decides the charges that will be made against the suspect, not me. All the same, since I know all the evidence, I often make recommendations to him. To help the prosecutor in this task, I put together a file in which he can easily find all the information related to the case. I also provide a summary of the facts, a list of witnesses, their statements, as well as any other relevant documents. In light of this information, the prosecutor makes his decision.

I also help the Crown prosecutor prepare for the trial, especially when the file is complex, as it can be in certain murder cases where the evidence can be extensive. I help him analyse and understand the evidence available to him. If he has questions or needs supplementary evidence, I am the one he asks.

I also play an important role with the prosecution’s witnesses. Often the Crown prosecutor asks me to be present at meetings with the witnesses and I have to pay special attention to some of them. I once had to reassure a victim of sexual assault who was particularly afraid of her aggressor. During the entire trial, I stayed at her side to keep the accused from trying to communicate with her.

During the trial, the Crown prosecutor often requires my services. For example, I can ensure that all of the witnesses are present and that they are prepared to testify by having them re-read their statements. I often have to testify in the case, as well. During the whole trial, I am at the disposal of the Crown prosecutor in order to answer his questions and help him if needed. This is why you always see me seated beside him.

Everyone is well aware of the aspect of my work that involves leading an investigation to catch the person who committed a crime. But few people know that my work as an investigator does not end with the arrest of the suspect. The Crown prosecutor and I form a team, with the lone goal of uncovering the truth so that justice can be done.